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East County News Service
February 14, 2018 (La Mesa) – Dr. Michael T. Long, a prominent neurologist and past president of the Grossmont Healthcare District’s Board of Directors, passed away on January 31st I Grossmont Hospital.
Dr. Long, who started his practice in La Mesa in 1967, was the founder and first president of the San Diego Neurological Society. He served for 12 years as a medical staff executive at Grossmont Hospital and was elected to the Grossmont Healthcare Board of directors for four years, serving as president for one year. He also served as Chief of Staff in 1987, and as Medical Staff Executive in support of the Chiefs of Staff from 1988 until his retirement in 2006.
Barry Jantz, chief executive officer of the Grossmont Healthcare District, posted on Facebook, “I very much enjoyed Mike’s service with GHD and loved both his sense of humor and commitment to excellence. I was blessed to be able to call him a friend.”
Dr. Long also served as counselor and treasurer of the San Diego County Medical Society, alternate delegate to the California Medical Association, and as a surveyor for the Calif. Medical Association’s Institute for Medical Quality for two decades. He also helped Sharp Hospital with surveys and was honored for his service with the Medical Staff Distinguished Service Award in 2000 and the Grossmont Foundation Heart of Gold in 2017.
He attained success despite a disadvantaged background. Born in Indiana on June 2, 1935, he was raised in a series of orphanages and foster care homes. Thankfully a school superintendent recognized his potential and offered help. After graduating from Indiana University and the Indiana University School of Medicine, he and his wife, Belle, moved to Arizona, where he completed a fellowship at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He later joined the Navy, spending two years at the Naval Hospital’s U.S. Neuropsychiatric Research Unit, and attained the rank of commander.
In his free time, he enjoyed golf, singing, coaching youth sports, bicycling and competitive Porsche racing.
He is survived by his wife Belle of El Cajon, daughter Kristin Long and granddaughter Mollie Long of Santa Cruz, and son Michael Long and daughter-in-law Bailin Liu of Hong Kong.
A memorial service will be held February 17, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Bailey Center, Mt. Miguel Covenant Village, 325 Kempton St., Spring Valley.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Grossmont Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 158, La Mesa, California 91944-0158
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